The European car market experienced a major shift in December with Renault overtaking Stellantis in sales, marking a historic overtaking for the first time since 2021, the year of the Italian-French group’s birth. According to data published by Acea (European Association of Automobile Manufacturers), the company led by Luca De Meo registered 130,097 cars, compared to 126,091 by Stellantis, gaining a market share of 11.9%, just above 11 .6% of the giant chaired by John Elkann.
Overall, however, the news coming from the four-wheel market is positive. Last year it grew by 0.9%, with hybrids leading the way with double-digit increases. Significant +33.1% for electric hybrids (HEV) and a +4.9% for hybrids that require a plug (plug-in). Conversely, battery-powered cars recorded a decline of 10.2%. Stellantis, while maintaining second place in the annual ranking with 1.97 million cars sold, saw a contraction in sales of 7.3% compared to 2023, due to the difficulties of some historic brands such as Fiat and Jeep.
These data come at a crucial time for the European automotive industry, which is facing not only growing competition but also the strict environmental regulations of the European Union. Renault’s overtaking Stellantis underlines its growing focus on green technologies, particularly electrification, with the French group recording a 16.6% increase in sales in December, largely thanks to its hybrid and electric models .
As European car manufacturers prepare to face the challenge of the ecological transition, the European Commission has announced the launch of a strategic dialogue with the automotive sector, which will start on January 30th. This meeting, which will involve producers, suppliers, social partners and other interested parties, will have to identify concrete solutions to support the competitiveness of the sector. President Ursula von der Leyen underlined that the automotive sector, which employs over 13 million people and contributes around 7% to the EU’s GDP, represents a key pillar for the European economy.
One of the central topics of the dialogue will concern the fines imposed on car manufacturers for exceeding CO2 limits. Sanctions have become an increasingly urgent topic of discussion, in a context in which the transition to electric is proceeding more slowly than expected. It is no coincidence that Italy and the Czech Republic have already put forward proposals for a revision trying to reconcile environmental objectives with the difficulties of car manufacturers in adapting to the new standards.
On February 26, the European Commission will present the Clean Industrial Deal, a package of measures intended to support the transformation of the automotive sector, seeking to reduce the impact of sanctions and find solutions that do not excessively penalize companies. .
In the background are Trump’s threats to place tariffs on imports of cars made in Mexico. Here are the establishments at risk.
1. Audi The San Jose Chiapa plant in Mexico produces the Q5, employing just over 5,000 people. It built nearly 176,000 cars in 2023. In the first half of 2024, nearly 40,000 cars were exported to the United States.
2. BMW The San Luis Potosi, Mexico plant produces the 3 Series, 2 Series Coupe and M2, with nearly all production going to the United States. From 2027, it will produce the model line Neue Classcompletely electric.
3. Byd Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD is looking for locations to build a plant in Mexico, but has repeatedly said the factory will serve the domestic market and not make cars to sell in the United States.
4. Honda sends 80% of Mexican production to the U.S. market, and Chief Operating Officer Shinji Aoyama warned in November that he will consider moving production if the United States imposes permanent tariffs on vehicles imported from the country.
